The C/A meeting today, and the City Charter! (click here for the Charter.)
Well, I am given to understand that we had a rather remarkable one hour meeting today (3:00-4:00 PM) given by the City Administrator to discuss the City finances.
The only problem is that the meeting (I am told) was hijacked by "friends of the animal control, " (or save my dog catcher!) I am also given to understand that the City Administrator allowed this ridiculous behavior to go forward, thus ruining any chance for a meaningful exchange on the City Finances!
I have posted the City Charter (click on the header) for you to look at section 5.2 (City Administrators duties,) and understand that HE, and HE alone is responsible for the hiring and removal of employees below him, not the Board! While it is true that the Board is the final authority for removal of the POSITION, it is the City Administrator who makes the decision as to who goes, and who stays.
In my humble opinion the very fact that a group of "supporters" (friends of the dog catcher?) were allowed to take up all the time they did was a travesty!
I am amazed that we apparently have a City Administrator (read manager,) with so little regard for the time invested by Crestwood Citizens that he would allow this group to take control of the meeting!
Jim, were all stocked up with "animal control" in St. Louis County (which we pay for, and which we use when ours is "out of position,)that I believe it's time FOR YOU to take charge and advise our Animal Control officer that she will be doing something else (we need the $49,000.00 elsewhere.)
It's very simple my friend, all you need to do is the job you signed on to do. Please do not request "sanctuary" from the Board, or the Mayor, your the main man here, so act like it!
If I may, when the EXON VALDEZ ran aground in Alaska, and leaked it's cargo of oil into the bay, the Coast guard came aboard. The first question was "where is the Captain," not where is the cook! Point being, your in command, and when your in command, command!
Tom Ford
NO. 607
The only problem is that the meeting (I am told) was hijacked by "friends of the animal control, " (or save my dog catcher!) I am also given to understand that the City Administrator allowed this ridiculous behavior to go forward, thus ruining any chance for a meaningful exchange on the City Finances!
I have posted the City Charter (click on the header) for you to look at section 5.2 (City Administrators duties,) and understand that HE, and HE alone is responsible for the hiring and removal of employees below him, not the Board! While it is true that the Board is the final authority for removal of the POSITION, it is the City Administrator who makes the decision as to who goes, and who stays.
In my humble opinion the very fact that a group of "supporters" (friends of the dog catcher?) were allowed to take up all the time they did was a travesty!
I am amazed that we apparently have a City Administrator (read manager,) with so little regard for the time invested by Crestwood Citizens that he would allow this group to take control of the meeting!
Jim, were all stocked up with "animal control" in St. Louis County (which we pay for, and which we use when ours is "out of position,)that I believe it's time FOR YOU to take charge and advise our Animal Control officer that she will be doing something else (we need the $49,000.00 elsewhere.)
It's very simple my friend, all you need to do is the job you signed on to do. Please do not request "sanctuary" from the Board, or the Mayor, your the main man here, so act like it!
If I may, when the EXON VALDEZ ran aground in Alaska, and leaked it's cargo of oil into the bay, the Coast guard came aboard. The first question was "where is the Captain," not where is the cook! Point being, your in command, and when your in command, command!
Tom Ford
NO. 607
posted by Crestwood Independent at 18:36
29 Comments:
Tom,
I was there at the meeting. Jim did say several times that the meeting was not just about the animal control position. He said someone sent or put up a flyer saying this. So, the group was about 80% "animal control" people.
I think he was trying to be polite by letting that group take up so much time in the meeting. There were some other things discussed/answered. He said the elimination of animal control and I think 3 each fire and police positions was a done deal.
I sure hope we don't have any major fire or police emergencies, with both depatments understaffed!
I was surprized that these people wanted animal control at any cost, even over the loss of anything else, including police and fire. Jim said that no nearby towns had it and only a few did in the entire county. And of course we are paying the county for it anyway.
I think that these meetings are a good idea, and I hope there are more in the future.
I also attended the meeting and was disappointed that animal control is slated to be cut. I will make on recommendation based on Mr. Fords comments and that is have all candidates in the upcomming election indicate their position on cutting animal control and I will assure you that those against it will NOT GET ELECTED. So here is my challenge to all Aldermanic Candidates, put your desire to cut Animal control on your election handout material and watch your support disappear.
2:57PM blogger: John, I agree with you that Mr. Eckrich should hold more of these meetings, and I pray he will.
Jim Eckrich is a very smart, and good man who only want's the best for ALL of Crestwood as you saw at the meeting.
That said however, we are going to have to disappoint someone, and soon if Crestwood is to survive. To that end I believe we must eliminate the "redundant" positions where we can, and animal control is one of them.
If Jim has any fault what so ever it's that he is too nice, but that has to change as did the fortunes of the City.
I have no idea what his salary is, but I will tell you he is going to earn every dollar (and then some) over the next five years, I don't envy him one bit.
Tom Ford
I think it would be a good idea for Mr Ekrich to have another meeting, and invite both the police, and fire chief so they can tell us how a reduction of three or four positions will impact our city.
Over the years, I have had to call for help from both departments, and I was very impressed by the speed, and professionalism.
But what if someone on the east side of town has a houseguest (Mr Fat Albert) who falls down the basement stairs, and has a neck injury, and at the same time there is a call for shots fired with people down at whitecliff park?
I know there is mutual aid, but will they get there as quick as our own departments?
It seems to me that it would make more sense to cut public works, animal control, parks staff, and office staff than to cut emergency responders.
8:48PM blogger: John, right you are again, I am meeting with the Police Chief on Monday at 2:30PM to discuss the Police department.
I you would like to attend, I will ask him if it's OK. I think you will find the Chief a friendly, and more than qualified man who will tell you the truth!
If you cam, and wish to join me, send me an E-mail, tford60@earthlink.net, and I will attempt to arrange it.
In any case, if you choose yo may call City Hall for an appointment, and ALL of the department heads, including the Mayor will be glad to make an appointment to address your concerns.
Tom Ford
10;42 am POSTER: Excerpt from you post as follows:
"based on Mr. Fords comments and that is have all candidates in the upcomming election indicate their position on cutting animal control and I will assure you that those against it will NOT GET ELECTED."
Are yo saying that those AGAINST the position cut will be elected? It reads that way, but some how I doubt you meant it that way.
Tom Ford
It is truly a sad state of affairs when citizens will show up to a meeting in order to voice their concerns over the elimination of one animal control officer, when little to no voices were heard crying out over the loss of four emergency response persons.
Has everyone in this community taken crazy pills?
Save the dog catcher, but let four highly trained people go, whose sole purpose is that of keeping us safe and secure in our homes???
I am ashamed. We should all be ashamed. The priorities here are wrong.
9:30 AM blogger: Well my friend, you could not be more correct in your summation of the "body politic" in Crestwood!
However it's not "crazy pills," it's the "sacred cow mentality" that has permeated Crestwood for far too long!
While some agonize over the possibility of "Farrel cats" in their neighborhood (I have lived here for 40 years and never seen one yet.) And others anguish over the possibility that lions, tigers and bears will get us all, the sad reality is that Grandpa and grandma will wait on the floor for help!
Not to worry though, by God the chipmunks will be guarded day and night by animal control!
RIDICULOUS
Tom Ford
Well Tom, at least there's me and you who can see the insanity of this political body then.
You are mistaken on one account though. And that is the time of day the chipmunks will be guarded.
You see, animal control is only available at very limited times (basically, when people are, themselves, working their own day jobs) This leaves all of the woodland creatures without a guardian during evening and overnight hours, as well as weekends, which is, quite honestly- when I would think most "animal calls" would be made.
So, who gets those calls? I'll bet its not St. Louis County Animal Control, it is our own police force.
Ridiculous, indeed!
10:08 AM blogger: Correct again, my bad, I was trying to give her the benefit of my tremendous doubt!
What was I thinking anyway? By the way does anyone really believe she is going to accost a vicious animal (or a nice one for that matter) all by herself?
I don't!
Tom Ford
"I am meeting with the Police Chief on Monday at 2:30PM to discuss the Police department."
Please Tom, enlighten us with the words of wisdom you imparted on Roy's boy. Was he receptive to your concerns? Did he tell you his plan for getting those that are “retired on the job” to actually retire in this economy? Did he tell you not to be concerned about manpower because his department can handle it? Did you discuss how calls for service are down, so they can get by? Or, did he just sit there and offer nothing of substance because who in the hell do you think you are?
9:46 Sounds like a disgruntled employee to me. You know where the door is don't you?
9:46 AM Blogger: Well my friend, we were there for well over an hour, and what I did learn is the fact that we are going to be OK!
I looked at the manning tables, the shift rosters, the contingency plans, and from all that I saw, and heard, we have nothing to fear from the force reduction (if, and when it happens!)
I found the Chief to be exactly what I knew him to be, and that is honest, forthright, and forthcoming with answers to ALL my questions.
As for your "retired on the job" remark, I guarantee you that NO Police officer, Fireman, or Paramedic is "retired on the job!" If you believe that, well the next time someone decides to "invade your space," or start a fire on your premises,or you get sick, just help yourself, because you know they are "retired on the job!"
I know you owe these people who would intercede for you in harm's way an apology for even thinking such a lame thought, much less saying it!
In closing, I was accompanied by a gentleman who post's on this blog under his real name (John,) so if you wish to address any more remarks to US, please do so.
Failing that, may I suggest you pick up the phone, make an appointment, and go visit the Chief, and while your there you can deliver you apology in person!
Tom Ford
Tom, you wouldn't know a staffing table if it hit you in the face and neither would Roy's boy.
If we can absorb those staffing levels, why not contract with the county; it would certainly be cheaper.
7:39 AM blogger: Really? well have you ever made out a schedule, staffed a company, ( both the Chief, and I have,) had the nerve to do anything beside hide behind "anonymous?"
Short answer, no you have not! I will admit that you seem to be very good and whining and complaining, but actually do something? NO!
I think we all can tell from your moronic statements, you would be out of your depth in a car park puddle! However if you wish to attempt to redeem your self, why not fix the temperature on the new City sign, I checked it Monday and it was off by six degrees then (hope we have a warranty!)
In closing let me tell you that Chief Mike has it hands down over cowards who will not post their name, so if I were you, I would just continue to cower, and leave him alone!
Contract with St. Louis County? Well just another way for you to show you total lack of understanding, right?
We don't have enough band width to explain the reasons why that's a really stupid idea, so if you want County, MOVE to the County area, and give us all a reason to smile!
Tom Ford
First off, before moving to Crestwood, I lived in an area serviced by the county police. I found them to be not as good as Crestwood PD.
County PD is so large that they can save a few bucks when they take over towns like Fenton, and Valley park, by having some management spread over several areas. But...you don't get to know anyone, and they can pull people away from your area if needed. They were much slower to respond than Crestwood. I think it would be hard to talk to the county PD Chief.
In Crestwood however, it is as easy as making an appointment as Tom and I did the other day to talk to the Chief. We also got to talk to the Fire Chief briefly and found out some good info from him too (no appointment, we ran into him in the lobby) and he answered our questions clearly, and completely.
The Police Chief explained a lot of things so I could understand them with no background in police work, and even gave us a brief tour of the station, which has changed a lot since my last tour years ago.
I am convinced that both Chiefs have good solid plans for the efficient and safe operation of their departments at the slightly reduced levels required.
In the past I have had to call on both departments for emegencies, and the response was very fast and the service was professional and complete, and I am sure that will continue to be the case.
bla, bla bla. Things are alway rosy from the outside looking in. You have no clue.
7:54 is a disgruntled employee
7:54 AM blogger: Well if you are a disgruntled employee, why not just "show all of us" and QUIT!
Were looking for a couple of slots to drop, so why not leave tomorrow! Lord know a person of your many (in your mind) talents can find a job tomorrow at the Lewis Livermore Lab's designing nuclear weapons, or rockets!
I don't know about the rest of the people on the blog, but your certainly not the type of person who I want working for this City, period!
Now if your not a "disgruntled employee," well your in worse shape than I thought, and I beg of you not to ever apply for a job in Crestwood, because we have the finest employees in the area, and we do not need you to screw it up!
Tom Ford
ah, little man. My goat you may not have.
Wanna bet?
"bla, bla bla. Things are alway rosy from the outside looking in. You have no clue."
If you are saying that I don't have the training, or experience to work as a Fireman, or Police Officer, you would be absolutely correct. But I am not getting paid to do either of those jobs. I am one of the several thousand people who are paying to operate those departments (along with the other city departments). The city has hired a person to run each of the departments following the rules, and procedures set up by City government, and the various other government agencies.
I don't make any of the rules, or hire, fire, and promote anyone.
I have to take the time to educate myself on the various jobs, and departments in the city so I WILL have a clue (but not be an expert) enough so that I can vote in an informed manner on the things on the ballot for the City, County, State, and Federal Governments.
On the other part of your comment, I have never worked at a job where everything was "rosy". I have had some good jobs, and some bad ones, and have quit some.
9:58 AM blogger: Well, John has done it the old fashioned way, he asked !
Now, should you be brave enough, you may do the same thing!
I think your "goat" is dead and barbecued, no?
Tom Ford
I think that the issue with regards to animal control is not really about "animal control" in the technical sense. The key thing
that people are upset about is that the Crestwood animal facility provided adoption services for homeless animals. My understanding of the county "animal control" is that if a dog or cat is found, it most often thing that happens is that it is killed (aka put to sleep).
As a dog lover, I can honestly say I understand (and I have) the strong feelings about keeping our Crestwood animal control officer. Heck that is why most of my donations go to animal rescue organizations.
Given most of the (irresponsible or nasty or ...) people that I know versus lost cats and dogs, I would vote to with my dollars to help the animals.
- JM
My goodness, what is the ego trip that is Crestwood. We can't afford services, we can't afford infrastructure, we can't afford amenities and we can't afford capital expenses (equipment). If it's none of these then what? Civic pride? I don't feel any! Municipalities are suppose to offer the above mentioned products. Without them its the same as living in unincorporated county. And please, don't down talk the county police any more, you sound stupid. They are equal to any other law enforcement organization at minumum. And the same goes for the surrounding fire districts.
4:54 PM blogger; " And please, don't down talk the county police any more, you sound stupid. They are equal to any other law enforcement organization at minimum. And the same goes for the surrounding fire districts."
Well, well that's a switch! A short while ago they were the best of the best, and now they are at least equals? OK, now I agree with you except that they aren't vested in this community like our guys and gals are.
If you don't feel any pride in Crestwood, one wonders why your still here? And you call me stupid?
Tom Ford
Tom,
You forgot to mention the additional cost. These Hippocrates that voted no on prop 1, yet ooh and aah over county police and a fire district. I'm not saying those that voted no didn't have a right or a reason, however those two services will cost Crestwood residents more than double the price of prop 1.
County police would be cheaper - at least for the initial few years - after that, who knows
Fire Districts would normally be more expensive
I would like to keep our police dept and have Fire DIstrict protect us. The City would NOT pay for the fire district but we would from our property taxes, which would free up money for keeping the police dept and allow further cuts in our City property taxes to off set just a little bit the increased cost of a fire district.
Post a Comment
<< Home